Hey everyone, I have been in treatment for almost 2 weeks now. I have been adjusting pretty well, have had a few rough days, but also had some fun times as well.  My expected time being here is 6-10 weeks, so by the beginning to the end of July is the expected discharge date depending on how things go, could be longer if needed though. I feel like I am gaining a lot of weight and feel uncomfortable when I get full which gives me anxiety. I have been trying to learn better ways to cope with the anxiety and depression. I am also learning to figure out ways to challenge the eating disorder and working on having better body-image which is tough and will take some time. Today I got to go on a pass for the first time, I get to have three 3 hour passes today, tomorrow, and Monday. Today I went to the Mall of America with my mom and sisters. We didn't have a lot of time to shop but we went to the Disney store and Becca bought me a couple of stuffed animals and then we went to Build-A-Bear and me and Becca made a stuffed animal. I made a puppy and Becca made a bear. When I go on my passes I have to make sure I get my meal plan in, and so far I can just go on a pass during snack times, so I had to make sure I got my snack in. I have been getting to know the other residents here and they are very nice. We have played some games together which was a lot of fun. I have been writing in a journal which has helped me put my thoughts on paper. I have also talked with the EDT's which has helped. During my free time, I enjoy watching tv, playing games, listening to music, writing, coloring, painting my nails, and just hanging out. My appt's have been going alright. I am starting to feel more at home here now and have lots of support but it's hard at meals sometimes. ~Heather Rose

Hey everyone, Last night was tough for me, but I am doing a little better this morning. I had a lot of anxiety and depression last night. I am trying to keep a positive attitude about being here. A song that comes to mind is Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood, the chorus of it has a lot of meaning to it. "This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong Windows and rooms that I'm passing through This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going I'm not afraid because I know This is my temporary home" Tonight my parents are coming for the parent support group and then we are having dinner with our parents. There usually are some challenges each day but I'm learning how to cope with them better. The groups and appt's keep me busy and it's nice to have free time as well. ~Heather Rose

Hey everyone, I can't believe it's been a week that I've been here already! It's been challenging but I have been slowly adjusting. My first few days were tough and the meals have been a challenge. I've had lots of appt's and groups, blood draws, and EKG's. I need to get my vitals checked everyday. I am working on my meal plan which is a challenge. Friday was somewhat of a challenge. I got to see my family over the weekend. Last night I played a game with some of the residents and had a fun time with that. Today we went on an outing bowling and dinner. I had fun bowling even though I'm not very good at it, I did better on the second game though. This weekend I get to have some passes for 3 hours during snack times, just have to make sure I get my snacks in.. I am going to go to the mall on Saturday, Como Zoo on Sunday, and Monday just hanging out with my family and hopefully seeing some relatives. Been getting some anxiety and things have been tough but it's nice to be able to see my family during visiting hours friday through monday and during dinner with parents on thursday's. Love, Heather Feel free to send me mail, or email me so we can stay in touch!

Almost a week at the Emily Program- Anna Westin House-Adolescent/YA

Hey everyone, today is my 5th and a half day here at the Anna Westin House-Adolescent/Young Adult which is apart of the Emily Program. I have slowly been adjusting to things around here. There have been some challenges but also some good times as well. Sometimes I get overwhelmed and anxious about things though. The weekends consist of mostly free time. This morning we had a cooking group though and got to make lunch. Today through Monday we get visiting hours but I am just doing laundry and relaxing then and tomorrow and Monday my family is coming. I haven't seen my older brother or sister since before I left so I will enjoy being able to see them again. I am starting to learn more about myself and figuring out ways to cope with anxiety. Some days I am more homesick then others, so I would appreciate emails or mail sent to me, that way I can stay in touch with all of you! I miss you a lot!

Again here is the address you can write me at:

Anna Westin House-Adolescent, 

2230 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 

55108

I try to remember that going through this will make me stronger and able to help others more

Hey everyone, I have been in treatment at the Emily Program for 4 and a half days now and a lot has gone on. Here is a link to where I am staying: http://www.emilyprogram.com/our-programs/awh/anna_westin_house_adolescent_and_young_adult_residential_program/ I've had some challenges and hard times but also some good times as well. Still getting adjusted to things around here and getting to know the other girls. The days here usually consist of different groups such as art, life skills, cooking groups on saturdays, gardening group, process group, body image, and a lot more, free time, and obviously meals which are 3 meals and 3 snacks, which some are more challenging than others. Also we have some individual appt's a few times a week, yoga twice a week, and acupuncture once a week, doctor appt's once a week, and every morning we get vitals checked. This morning we had a lot of different groups, one of them was recreational group and we got to go outside and play lawn games which helped me enjoy myself and have fun with the other residents and we also had a gardening group and got to plant some vegetables and flowers. Tonight we had a process group which was tough but I was able to open up about some things which helped with some anxiety. Later tonight we had visiting hours and my parents and twin sister, Rebecca visited. It was fun seeing them and being able to visit with them. Here is the address if you want to write to me, just make sure to address it to me :) Anna Westin House-Adolescent,  2230 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN  55108  I miss you all so much! If you have any questions or anything feel free to email me anytime or send me mail if you'd like as well!! ~Heather Rose